2014 Coleman Explorer Ultralite CTE211 Review

Lightweight trailer won't break the bank

Coleman is not just ancient history. A legend in the world of camping, Coleman has been around since the early 1900s, equipping campers with fishing rods, lanterns and tents. Now, Dutchmen Manufacturing Inc. has a line of Coleman travel trailers, which includes the Expedition LT, Expedition-Conventional and Explorer-Ultralite.

We’ll be examining the Explorer-Ultralite – light on weight and heavy on amenities. With 14 floorplans to choose from, our favourite is the CTE211. Its simple layout and excessive storage space is a perfect combination for family camping trips. It has an uploaded weight of 3,748 lbs, hitch weight of 375 lbs and cargo capacity of 2,852 lbs. The CTE211 has a height of 10’1” and length of 21’7”. For water, it has fresh water capacity of 60 gallons, black water capacity of 28 gallons and grey water capacity of 39 gallons.

Why does Dutchmen Coleman Explorer Ultralite weigh so little? It features Eterna-Bond aluminum-framed construction, which means that the floors, sidewalls and ceilings are strong – yet light. With enclosed heated holding tanks and a pass-through storage, the Explorer provides you with the necessities for action-packed camping trips, while making it easy to maneuver from campsite to campsite.

Since, you’ll be spending most of your time outdoors, let’s start with Explorer’s exterior. There’s a 120V exterior outlet and a 30 AMP power cord so outdoor-family-time can include a touch of modern technology. With a diamond plate, EZ lube axles and front/rear stabilizer jacks, the Coleman is built for efficiency. The 28” entrance door has an entry handle and a folding entry step. Families that enjoy spending their evenings barbequing and entertaining will utilize the outside speakers and outside grill, equipped with a griddle.

When you walk into the Explorer Ultralite CTE211, you’ll find yourself in the living room. Hang your jacket on a coat hook by the door. With a long seat that extends from the dinette table, you can get cozy with a book or turn on the TV, which has cable/satellite TV hookup. Store your belongings in the overhead shelf, located above the sofa. There’s also an end table, which is perfect for holding your dinner, while you watch your favourite TV programs. A skylight softens the living room and creates a homey atmosphere. Beauflor residential flooring is laid out throughout the space and upgraded window coverings give the Coleman a modern look. With two interior speakers and a stereo, you can turn on your favourite jams while cooking dinner next door, in the kitchen.

You can forget about the McDonald’s drive-thru. The family cook will enjoy the time spent in the Coleman Explorer Ultralite kitchen. With generous counter space and up-to-date appliances, cooking three courses and baking your favourite recipes seems easier than waiting in line at the drive-thru. Wash vegetables in the composite kitchen sink, equipped with a high-rise kitchen faucet. Prepare them on the laminated kitchen countertop. For appliances, the CTE211 comes with a 6-cubic-foot double-door refrigerator, three-burner cooktop, oven and range hood. For quick meals, there’s also a microwave. Store condiments and canned goods in the large pantry. Last but not least, the kitchen features wall accents and a decorative ceiling accent panel with pendant light.

Although small in size, the bathroom utilizes spaces efficiently. A skylight above the shower lights up the whole room, saving on electricity during the day. The bathroom features ABS tub/shower surround and includes a shower curtain that has a curved rod. The power bathroom vent keeps the small space ventilated and fresh. There’s a foot pedal flush toilet and a medicine cabinet, equipped with a mirror. Washing and grooming can easily be executed in the bathroom, as long as you’re not sharing the tight space with anyone else.

Last but not least, let’s explore the CTE 211 bedroom. Since this is a trailer built for camping, the bedroom comes in slide-out form and consists of a 60 by 80 tent bed. No nightstands, no televisions and no mirrored wardrobes. And who needs these luxuries anyway? Built to recharge you for another day of wildlife and adventure, the bedroom meets most campers’ demands.

With many options to choose from, campers can request features that will match their specific camping needs. For example, you can request Coleman sleeping bags, a Coleman 4-in-1 camp table and even a Coleman lantern. Personally, we love the Coleman 24-can Stackers cooler.

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